Jim and Wanda were married in Arkansas City, Kan., on June 22, 1974. Over a span of 10 years, he used his bachelor’s degree in theology to serve churches in Kansas, Illinois and Louisiana as minister of music and youth. He then felt called to continue his ministry by serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

While working at the Ft. Worth State School and attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary from 1987 to 1991, he had the opportunity to move into the private provider aspect of that industry. He served in this capacity from 1991 to 2004 when he acquired his own business, PeopleCare, in El Paso, Texas. As the president and CEO of PeopleCare, he enriched lives and provided services for hundreds of people who held a special place in his heart.

His family said Jim Bean was a man who was impossible to forget, even if you only met him once. At 6 feet 7 inches tall, he was hard to miss. But it was so much more than his size that attracted attention. His broad smile and infectious laugh filled any room that he was in. This was a man who loved experiencing life, and more importantly, sharing it with the ones he loved.

He made sure everyone felt welcomed at his table and loved to enjoy a good meal and a good time with everyone who joined him, always while ensuring all were treated with the best of care. Jim was a man who loved God, loved his family and never stopped being grateful for and sharing all of the blessings he had. More than anything, this was a man who loved and cherished his family and friends. He always seemed larger than life.

Services were Saturday, May 27, in Albuquerque, N.M. Memorials can be made to Youth Horizons at www.youthhorizons.net.